A Paws-itive Start: Troy’s First ‘Shop With a K9’ Event Brings Holiday Joy

K9 Odin’s friendly personality made shopping even more special for families at this year’s Shop with a K9 event. Photo courtesy of the Troy Police Department.

The Troy Police Department kicked off a new holiday tradition this week with its first “Shop With a K9” event, pairing local children with K9 Officer Williams and his partner, Odin, for a memorable day of holiday shopping and community connection. The department shared that the debut event was a success, highlighting the joy, excitement, and positive engagement between officers and participating children.

A New Community Initiative in Troy

K9 Odin checked out the toy section right along with everyone else today, keeping pace with Officer Williams during the holiday shopping event. Photo credit: Troy Missouri Police Department

“Shop With a K9” is a fresh addition to Troy’s holiday outreach efforts and serves as a companion to the department’s long-running “Shop With a Cop” program. While the department did not specify the number of children who participated, photos show kids walking alongside Officer Williams and Odin, selecting gifts, and sharing smiles throughout the store.

This new event is designed to further strengthen relationships between law enforcement and local families while offering support to children who may otherwise face challenges during the holiday season.

Why the Program Matters

Community-based programs like these play a vital role in:

• Supporting local families during the holidays

• Building trust between officers and residents

• Providing children with positive, memorable experiences

• Highlighting partnerships between the police department and local organizations

The presence of Odin, Troy PD’s K9 partner, added an extra layer of excitement and comfort for many of the children. According to the department’s post, Odin was fully engaged throughout the event — even taking interest in picking out a few items himself.

Officer Williams and K9 Odin pause for a holiday photo with a local family during Troy’s Shop With a K9 event. Photo credit: Troy Missouri Police Department

How the Event Was Made Possible

The Honor Bound K9 Justice Foundation and several local Secret Santa donors contributed funding and support for the event. Their involvement ensured that participating children had the opportunity to choose gifts and experience a joyful, stress-free day with the officers.

Troy PD expressed gratitude for the generosity shown, noting that community donations directly impact the lives of local children and the success of programs like this one.

What’s Next for Troy PD’s Holiday Programs

The department announced that this was the first of three planned “Shop With a K9” events this season, with additional “Shop With a Cop” events also scheduled in the coming weeks. More details will be released as each event approaches.

To stay informed, residents are encouraged to follow Troy PD’s official social media channels, where updates, photos, and event information will continue to be posted.

How Residents Can Support Future Events

Community members who wish to help make these programs possible can:

• Donate to local foundations supporting holiday programs

• Participate in community fundraisers

• Share event posts to broaden awareness

• Reach out to Troy PD for information on upcoming initiatives

These acts of support ensure that more children can experience a positive and uplifting holiday season.

All photos in this story were provided courtesy of the Troy Missouri Police Department, and all information was sourced from their official public release on the event. This article was written by John Eads with Lincoln CountyWatch, where we cover local public safety, community stories, and government updates for Lincoln County residents. If you have a news tip, a question, or a community story you’d like us to look into, you can reach us anytime at tips@lincolncountywatch.com. Your tips help us report accurately and highlight stories that matter most to our county. We welcome photos, videos, and insights from residents, and we keep all submissions confidential unless you request otherwise. Stay tuned for more local coverage and community features coming soon.